How to Choose the Best Gold Hardware for White Kitchen Cabinets

White kitchen cabinets paired with gold hardware is one of the most popular and elegant trends in kitchen design. The crisp, clean look of white cabinetry accented by the luxurious warmth of gold hardware creates a timeless yet contemporary style. But not all gold hardware is created equal. The shade of gold, finish, and style of hardware can impact the overall look and feel of your kitchen.

Gold Hardware Finish Options

The specific finish of the gold hardware will determine its tone and texture against the white cabinets. From brushed gold to oil-rubbed bronze, the options are extensive. Consider the pros and cons of each finish to choose what best fits your kitchen's style.

Brushed Gold

Brushed gold has a satin finish that mutes the shine while allowing the rich gold tone to show through. The brushed texture adds depth and visual interest.

Pros:

• Softer, more subtle effect than polished gold
• Pairs well with contemporary, modern, and transitional kitchens
• Hide fingerprints and scratches better than polished finishes

Cons:

• Less shine than polished gold
• Doesn't stand out as prominently against white cabinets

Top brands like Emtek, Amerock, and Liberty offer brushed gold cabinet hardware to suit a range of budgets.

Polished Gold

The most traditional take on gold hardware, polished gold has a luminous, shiny, and reflective finish. This bold hardware makes a statement.

Pros:

• Timeless, classic aesthetic
• Shiny, mirror-like finish catches the eye
• Works well for formal, elegant kitchens

Cons:

• Shows fingerprints and scratches more easily
• Can feel overly bold or flashy in some kitchens

Jeffrey Alexander, Rocky Mountain Hardware, and Amerock are leading providers of polished gold cabinet hardware.

Oil-Rubbed Bronze

Oil-rubbed bronze has an aged, weathered appearance with earthy brown and black undertones. The dark finish provides an eye-catching contrast to white cabinets.

Pros:

• Unique, antiqued aesthetic
• Works well for traditional, Tuscan, or farmhouse kitchens
• Coordinates nicely with black, brown, or gray countertops

Cons:

• Shows fingerprints due to dark patina
• The heaviness can sometimes clash with lighter cabinets

Quality oil-rubbed bronze hardware can be found through brands like Emtek, Amerock, and Rev-A-Shelf.

Brushed Nickel

Brushed nickel has a soft, brushed silver tone without the high shine of polished chrome. It has an elegant coolness.

Pros:

• More affordable than other hardware finishes
• Neutral tone complements most colors and styles
• Durable, scratch-resistant, and easy to clean

Cons:

• Not as bold of a contrast against white cabinets
• Lacks the warmth and richness of gold tones

Affordable brushed nickel hardware can be found through brands like Amerock, Liberty, and Rev-A-Shelf.

Matte Black

Flat matte black hardware has a smooth, non-reflective finish that pairs strikingly with bright white cabinets.

Pros:

• High contrast look is bold and contemporary
• Coordinates well with dark countertops
• Minimalist style works well in modern kitchens

Cons:

• Can look overly stark and cold to some
• Shows fingerprints, water spots, and dust

Matte black hardware designed for cabinets is offered by brands like Emtek, Amerock, and Rev-A-Shelf.

Hardware Style Options

Beyond the finish, the style of hardware plays a role in the overall look and functionality of kitchen cabinets. From knobs to handles, choose a style suited to your kitchen.

Knobs

Circular knobs provide a minimalist accent. Size and placement impact the visual effect.

Pros:

• Allow sees of cabinet door's design
• Come in a wide range of sizes and styles
• Typically more affordable than pulls or handles

Cons:

• Not as easy to grip as a pull or handle
• Only one knob per door so can look sparse

Small gold knobs give a delicate, elegant look while larger knobs make a bolder statement.

Pulls

Horizontal pulls add visual interest and are easy to grip to open cabinets.

Pros:

• Come in range of sizes, shapes, and configurations
• Easier to grip than knobs
• Allow two pulls per door for visual balance

Cons:

• Typically more expensive than knobs
• Horizontal shape competes with cabinet doors

Pulls generally provide more presence than knobs. Gold bar pulls make a particularly striking statement.

Handles

Vertical handles combine gripability with elegant style.

Pros:

• Comfortable grip and easy to open cabinets
• Come in wide range of ornate and minimal styles
• Vertical shape distinguishes from cabinet doors

Cons:

• Generally one of the more expensive hardware options
• Only allows one handle per door

Gold cup or bow handles lend a touch of sophistication. Long bar handles create visual impact.

Mix and Match

Don't be afraid to get creative and mix up your hardware selections. Combining finishes and styles can yield striking results.

Pros:

• Makes a unique design statement
• Allows you to use pieces you already own
• Can complement other metals and finishes in kitchen

Cons:

• Mixing too many finishes can look busy or disjointed
• Trial and error to find combinations that work

Try mixing gold knobs with black pulls or combining brushed nickel handles with oil-rubbed bronze drawer pulls.

Budget Considerations

From a few dollars for simple knobs to over $100 per handle for ornate hardware, gold cabinet hardware spans a wide spectrum of price points. Set realistic expectations based on your overall budget.

• Knobs are generally the most budget-friendly hardware starting around $2-$10 each with simple styles the most affordable.
• Handles and pulls range from approximately $10 per piece up to $75 or more for intricate, high-end handles.
• Opt for brushed, satin, or oil-rubbed finishes over polished or plated gold to save costs while still getting a gold look.
• Mixing a few higher end hardware pieces with more affordable ones allows you to strategically splurge.

Shopping big box stores, browsing online sales, buying in bulk, and looking for discount codes can yield significant savings on gold hardware.

Expert Style Tips and Inspiration

Interior designers offer helpful tips and words of wisdom when selecting the perfect gold hardware for your white kitchen cabinets:

• "Choose a gold finish that complements your faucet and other metallic accents to tie everything together cohesively."
• "Mixing hardware finishes can work beautifully, but limit it to two or three complementary finishes for the most polished look."
• "Opt for larger hardware sizes if your kitchen has high ceilings to balance out the proportions."
• "An uneven number of knobs or pulls on cabinet doors is actually more visually pleasing than an even pairing."

For a dose of white and gold inspiration, below is a gallery of stunning kitchen designs with gold hardware:

Finding the perfect gold hardware for your white kitchen cabinets depends on the right finish, style, sizes, and placement to create your desired aesthetic. Brushed gold, antique brass, or oil-rubbed bronze offer different takes on rich gold tones. Opt for knobs for a minimalist look or larger handles and pulls for more presence. Don't overlook mixing metals and finishes to make your kitchen uniquely you. With the right choices, your white kitchen cabinets can take on a whole new level of elegance when accented with beautiful gold hardware.